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Q&A-KCSE Computer Studies Paper 1

One facility of a Software Development Environment is to convert source code to machine code.  Name and briefly describe four other facilities commonly found in a Software Development Environment.

  • Editor: this allows a programmer to enter and edit source code
  • Automatic formatting:  Correctly indents code
  • Automatic colour coding:  Changes key words, literals and annotation to different colours
  • Linker: this is a program which allows previously compiled code, from software libraries, to be linked together
  • Loader: this is a program which loads previously compiled code into memory.
  • Debugger: this is a program which helps locate, identify and rectify errors in a program
  • Syntax error detection:  Highlighting syntax errors before code is translated
  • Trace: this is a facility which displays the order in which the lines of a program are executed, and possibly the values of variables as the program is being run
  • Break point: this is a facility which interrupts a program on a specific line of code, allowing the programmer to compare the values of variables against expected values.  The program code can then usually be executed one line at a time.  This is called single-stepping
  • Variable watch: this is a facility which displays the current value of any variable.  The value can be 'watched' as the program code is single-stepped to see the effects of the code on the variable.  Alternatively a variable watch may be set, which will interrupt the program flow if the watched variable reaches a specified value
  • Memory inspector: this is a facility which will display the contents of a section of memory
  • Error diagnostics: these are used when a program fails to compile or to run.  Error messages are displayed to help the programmer diagnose what has gone wrong
  • Emulator: will provide and emulator to run the code/app so no physical device required
  • Context sensitive menu:  SDE suggests available options
  • Statement completion:  SDE will complete a statement such as adding an ‘end if’ to an ‘if’ statement GUI creation:  Allows programmer to create a GUI by dragging and dropping controls (buttons, etc...) onto a form.
  • Publisher: facility to package up and deploy program as an easy to install package
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Ahmed sees the message “Set your browser to accept cookies”.
Explain why some websites make this request.

  • to enable logon information to be kept on his computer
  • to provide pages customised for Ahmed the next time he logs on
  • to implement shopping carts and one-click purchasing
  • to be able to distinguish between new and repeat visitors to the website
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A company has a website that is stored on a web server.
(a) The website data is broken down into packets to be transmitted to a user.
Describe the structure of a data packet.

  • it has a header that contains the destination address, the packet number, and the originator’s address
  • it has a payload
  • it has a trailer.

 

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Data integrity in a database can be divided into three categories: referential integrity, domain integrity and entity integrity.

(a)Outline the meaning of each of the following.

(i) Referential integrity

(ii) Entity integrity

(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)

(i) Referential integrity

  • Two entities that are related require that a foreign key must have a matching primary key

(ii) Entity integrity

  • Entity integrity specifies that the Primary Keys on every instance of an entity must be kept, must be unique and must have values other than NULL

(b) Describe how data integrity can improve the process of database management. (2 marks)

  • Data integrity is the maintenance of, and the assurance of, data accuracy and consistency over its entire life-cycle and is a critical aspect to the design, implementation, and usage of any system that stores, processes, or retrieves data
  • The overall intent of any data integrity technique is the same: ensure data is recorded exactly as intended (such as a database correctly rejecting mutually exclusive possibilities)
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State the uses of 3D printers

  • Making prosthetic limbs for patients
  • Making items which allow precise reconstructive surgery
  • Making light-weight plane wings
  • Making sculptures
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State any four applications of electronic spreadsheets

  • Financial accounting
  • Prediction and forecasting
  • Inventory keeping
  • Budgeting
  • Keeping records
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Your friend wishes to install a wireless network in his office. Explain to him the difference between guided and unguided media

  • Guided media uses cables to connect to computers whereas unguided media uses waves.
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Describe what the traffic control program should do when an emergency occurs.

give uninterrupted path through the system of linked traffic lights/
green link - wave
turn all lights to red
activate emergency generator
alarm

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KCSE 2021 Prediction Computer Studies Paper 1

b) Study the following pseudocode and answer the questions that follow.

1. Start

2. Get Value1 and Value2

3. If Value1> Value2 Then

4. Maximum = Value1

5. Else If Value1< Value2 Then

6. Maximum = Value2

7. Else Go to 9

8. Display Maximum

9. Stop

i) State the purpose of the pseudocode                                                                                  [1]

To compare two values and output the greater of the two

ii) Draw a flowchart equivalent to the pseudocode.                                                                     [8]

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Describe the difference between distributed and sequential processing on how they process instructions

  • Sequential processing occurs in the order that the tasks are received while distributed processing where more than one computer or CPU is used to run specific programs.
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KCSE 2002 COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 1

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1.Describe the purpose of each of the following computer functional units:    (2mks)

    a) Control

    b) Storage

2.Explain how each of the following would affect the suitability of a room for use as a computer room: (2mks)

a) Burglar proofed door

b)Availability of taps and sinks in the room

3.State three data representation codes used in computers       (3mks)

4.State two types of documentation in program development and give the purpose of each.     (4mks)

5.Suppose a 5 element array A contains the values 9, 12, 17, 7 and 20.  Find the value in A after executing the loop below:

            Repeat for k = 1 to 4

            Set A [k +1]: = A [k]

                        [End of loop]            (3mks)

6.State any three activities that occur in a program compilation process  (3mks)

7.The formula = k20 + P$ 18 was typed in cell L21 and then copied to cell M24 of a spreadsheet. Write the formula as it appears in cell M24.(2mks)

8.State two ways in which a computer may be used in the efficient running of a hospital (2mks)

9.List three disadvantages of using the traditional file management method          (3mks)

10.Give one disadvantage of a single processor multi-user system    (1mk)

11. List three differences between a micro-computer and a super-computer.         (3mks)

12.State and explain two reasons why word processing is one of the most common applications of many computer users.   (2mks)

13. write- 1 in twos complement notation in byte form                                        (4mks)

14.Explain the following input/output terms as used in computer systems. Give an example for each        (4mks)

  a) Read

  b) Write

15.State two disadvantages of networking.

SECTION B (60 MKS)

Answer question 16 and any other three questions from this section.

16.The following flowchart can be used to list the odd numbers between 0 and 100

 

 

a)Write a program segment for the flowchart using a high level language.  (7mks)

b)What would be the output from the flowchart if the statement in the decision box is changed to:  (3 mks)

i)          Odd = 100

ii)         Odd< 100

iii)        Odd> 100

c)  Modify the flowchart so that it prints only the sum of the odd number between 0 and 100  (5mks)

17.a)  List five precautions that can be taken to protect data stored in diskettes   (5mks)

b)State and explain two precautions that can be taken to help recover data lost through accidental erasure. (4mks)

   c) Describe each of the following data processing methods:    (6mks)

   i) Batch processing

   ii) Distributed processing

   iii) Multiprogramming

18. a)  i)  What is a computer keyboard?      (1 mk)

           ii)  ist four types of keys found on a computer keyboard.  Give an example of each(4mks)

     b) Give four differences between present day’s computers and the older generation of computers   (4mks)

     c)   i) State three advantages and one disadvantage of using a laser printer.  (4mks)

           ii) Distinguish between a line printer and a page printer             (2mks)

19  a) Identity three public Universities and three National Polytechnics in Kenya where further computer training is offered. In case, state the highest level of qualification that can be acquired in computer training. (6 mks)

b) Distinguish between “Job replacement” and “Job displacement” in reference to computerization.  (2mks)

c) Give four reasons why a firm may decide to computerize its operations.   (4mks)

d) An individual has a right to demand a guarantee of privacy of personal information stored on a computer.Give three such types of information.  (3mks)

20. a)  Give three comparisons of the traditional file management method of typing a document on a typewriter against using a word processor.     (6mks)

      b)  i) Define the term spreadsheet (1 mk)

            ii) Give two examples of spreadsheet packages available in the market today        (2mks)

      c) Explain the following terms as used in a spreadsheet:

             i)  What if …analysis         (2 mks)

             ii) Cell                (1 mk)

             iii) Formula  (1mk)

             iv)  Pie chart                                                                      (2 mks)

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Distinguish between transcription and transposition types of errors and give an example of each  (4mks)

Transcription Errors: Transcription errors involve the incorrect entry of data due to mistakes made during the copying or typing process. These errors can occur when transferring information from one source to another.

Transposition Errors: Transposition errors specifically refer to errors where the order of characters or digits is accidentally reversed or swapped. This can happen during manual data entry or when processing information.

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Give one reason why a phased implementation would be the best approach to follow in this case.

  • This approach causes minimum disruption
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Clearly define a computer

  • A computer is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own memory unit
  • An electronic device that accepts data, as input and transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions called programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as information)
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A computer laboratory experiences power supply problems. Describe three power related problems that should be addressed

Blackout: This is unexpected discontinuation of power supply in the laboratory.

Power sag: Sudden drop of voltage levels that lasts less than a second.

Transients/ surge: High voltage flowing.

Brownout: Partial blackout where there's low voltage flow.

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State the areas where infra-red radio waves are used      KCSE 2018

  • TV remote control communication;
  • DVD remote communication
  • Communication between peripheral devices and the computer
  • Data link over a short distance using mobile phones Radio remote control
  • Remote locking/opening doors/ devices
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Mikal has been employed as a computer trainer in an organisation. State three roles that she is likely to play in the organisation

  • Developing training materials
  • Training computer users
  • Conducting ICT examinations
  • Managing the learning and examination process
  • Developing guidelines for using the computer lab
  • Planning the course content
  •  
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b) Give one benefit of each type of data transmission

Serial

  • -more accurate/fewer errors over a longer distance
  • -less expensive wiring  
  • less chance of data being skewed/out of synchronization/order
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Outline a factor that can influence the performance of a network.

  • The different factors that can influence the performance of a network include: bandwidth, network design, data collisions, and excess broadcast traffic.
  • The bandwidth can influence through the method of transmission and medium used
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Maranda Mock CRE Paper 2 2024 

c) Six ways in which Christians can assist the physically challenged members of the society (6mks)

Establishing special institutions for them

Donating equipment, which assists them in their movement.

Giving them vocational training

Assisting them in their daily chores

Accepting them as human beings like themselves

Helping them to develop their talents e.g. games, music, drama etc.

Identifying their abilities and giving them employment.

Encouraging relatives to live with them.

Giving them financial assistance to start income generating projects 


 

a) The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-33. (7mks)

There was a rich man who had a steward. He received charges that the steward was wasting his goods.

He called him what he was hearing about him. He told him to turn in account of his stewardship for he could no longer be steward.

The steward asked himself what he would do since his master was taking the stewardship away from him.

He was not strong enough to dig and was ashamed to beg.

He decided what to do so that people may receive him into their house when he is out of the stewardship

He was to summon his masters’ debtors one by one. He went to the first one and asked him how much he owned his master. The debtor said a hundred measures of oil, which he was told to write fifty.

He asked another how much he owned his master. He said a hundred measures of wheat he was told to write eighty

The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness for the sons of his world are shrewder in dealing with their own generation that the ones light.


 

Seven causes of conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leader in Jerusalem. (7mks)

They questioned the authority Jesus was using to teach Lk 20:1-8.

Jesus accused them of persecuting and rejecting Gods servants in the parable of tenants. Lk 20:9-18.

They had conflict on the issue of whether to pay taxes to cease or not. Lk 20:19-26

The question on resurrection by the Sadducees on Levites marriage. Lk 20:27-39

He claimed to be the messiah and said that even David called Him Lord in the book of Psalms Lk 20:4-44

Jesus openly condemned the hypocrisy of the Jewish leader Lk 20:45-47

Jesus prophesied the destruction of temple of Jerusalem

He condemned the offerings of the rich Jewish leaders, which were meant to show off, but praised the widows’ offerings, which was made out of self-sacrifice Lk 21:1.


 

Six ways in which parents can resolve misunderstanding with their children. (6mks)

Allowing dialogue

Listening to their views

Presenting them with the correct, picture of the situation

Setting a good example to them

Giving them appropriate time for leisure activities

Seeking help from church leaders

Guiding them on how to choose friends

Advising them on the right moral values

Praying for and with them to bring about understanding 

Committing the children to God’s will

Discussing the problem with their friends and relatives


 

a) Seven reasons why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples after his ascension. (7mks)

The holy spirit would comfort the disciples

He was to counsel the disciples

He would guide the disciples on what is right / God’s righteousness

He was to convict people of their sins

He was to show disciples on what is right

He was to reveal the future / enable the disciples to prophet’s / God’s will

He would glorify Jesus through the work of the disciples

He would enable the disciples to witness Christ throughout the world

He would replace the physical presence of Jesus 

He would empower the disciples to be able to speak with courage

b)How the unity of believers is expressed in the body of Christ? (8mks)

St Paul describes the believers as the body of Christ 

Christ is the head of the church

The believers form parts of the body

The body has different organs, in the same way the church has different members

They all need to work together for the well-being of the church 

Every part of the body is needed to make it whole/ all parts interdependent / one part cannot be without the other

The different church members are given different spiritual gifts by the holy spirit to carry out God’s work 

Believers are united through baptism in the Holy Spirit.


 

c)The church in Kenya help to bring about the unity in the country. (6mks)

Assisting the government is developing a curriculum schools that teaches about patriotism

Advocating for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans

Fighting corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism and all forms of favourism

Acting as a voice of reason among the ruling political class demanding their unity as a government

Assisting the less fortunate in the society thus fighting disparity

Condemning and reporting to the relevant authorized groups that bring disharmony in the society

Developing joint rallies, prayers and reconciliatory meetings together.

Forgiving one another to avoid disunity

Obeying church rules/ leaders

Chastity is a virtue


 

a) Attitude of Christian towards human sexuality. (7mks)

Sex is sacred

Man and woman are for companionship

Both man and woman are equal before God

It is for procreation

Man and woman are complementary 

Man and woman were created in the image of God

They became one in marriage

Human beings have the ability to control sexual desire

All forms of irresponsible sex are condemned 

Chastity is a virtue

b)Six ways in which sex is abused in Kenya today. (6mks)

Sex before marriage / fornication/ pre-marital sex

Sex outside marriage / adultery

Prostitution

Bestiality

Homosexuality/ lesbianism/ sodomy/oral sex

Pornographic literature/mass media using of technological devices in sex

Incest

Masturbation

Rape /defilement of minors

c)Why are minors sexually abused in Kenya today? (7mks)

Permissiveness

Lack of self-control

Influence of the mass media

Mental illness / stress/ drug and substance influence

Erosion of the African culture moral value

False religious / devil worship /strange cults

To avenge for oneself

Breakdown of religious values

Irresponsible parenthood

Indecent dressing

Leniency of the law

Idleness

Poverty / unemployment

6 a) Six practices in the African Society that promoted law, order and justice? (6mks)

Cultural taboos/dos and don’ts in the society

Kinship ties had rules which governed their relationships

Oaths – swearing while making agreements.

Rites of passage e.g. during initiation, the youth were taught laws/secrets of society.

Practice of rituals in the society promoted good relationships between the living/living dead.

Communal life i.e. “I am because we are, and since we are therefore Iamb.”

Inheritance of property was done fairly which brought justice /order.

Worship of God/veneration of ancestors created orderliness

b). Seven reasons for the need of law, order and justice in the society. (7mks)

In order to safeguard peoples personal rights.

To ensure security and protection of the people and their property.

To promote peace and harmony

To attract both local and foreign investment in the country

To promote peaceful relationship between countries.

To safeguard freedom of the citizens

To control and check the powers of those in authority

To enable the gov’t to implement its taxation policies effectively and to use the money

collected for the good of the community

To enable Christians worship God in peace and freely spread the good news.


 

c) Explain the factors which hinder effective maintenance of law and order in the (7 marks)

Increase in the rate of crime especially in urban areas

Political instability e.g. Post election violence

Greed for power and wealth

Political selfishness leading to dictatorship and despotism

High rate of unemployment leading to idleness / crime

Corruption especially by custodians of the law e.g. police.

Hypocrisy i.e. leaders misleading the society

High level of poverty forcing others into crime



 

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